The first pool of mosquitoes this year has tested positive for West Nile virus in Chatham-Kent, public health officials say.
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A lab confirmed mosquitoes collected from a Wheatley mosquito trap Wednesday tested positive for the virus, Chatham-Kent Public Health said in a release Friday.
“West Nile virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito,” the health unit said.
“Many people infected with the virus experience no symptoms,” he added. “Some may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue.”
In rare cases, infected individuals may experience more severe illness, including stiff neck, nausea, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and paralysis, the unit said.
“Anyone with severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention,”
he said. “Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.
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West Nile virus is a risk anytime mosquitoes bite. The health unit advises taking these precautions:
- Wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
- Using insect repellent containing DEET (follow label directions).
- Staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn).
- Ensuring all door and window screens are tight and free of holes.
- Eliminating sources of standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
The health unit provides weekly data from its West Nile virus surveillance program at ckphu.com/health-topics/thegreatoutdoors.
According to a previous interview with a public health official, five mosquito pools had tested positive last year for West Nile in Chatham-Kent as of late August 2023. In 2022, no mosquito pools tested positive, down from two a year in 2019-21 . Nine mosquito pools tested positive in 2018.
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